Because I'm Worth It!

Now, normally, I don't use "The Message" translation of the Bible, but I have found that sometimes it's just really good to read.  It can take verses I've heard a hundred times before and make them sound new and give me new insights into them.  So, here, the words from Proverbs 31 about the wife of noble character:


A good woman is hard to find, 
   and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve, 
   and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously 
   all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, 
   and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places 
   and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast 
   for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it, 
   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, 
   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, 
   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, 
   diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need, 
   reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; 
   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing, 
   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected 
   when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, 
   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, 
   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, 
   and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, 
   and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her; 
   her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things, 
   but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. 
   The woman to be admired and praised 
   is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves! 
   Festoon her life with praises!


This year for me is The Year of the Worthy Woman.  I want to be that woman whose worth is far above rubies or diamonds.  I want to be like this amazing woman who works so hard to make sure her husband and children are taken care of and loved.  I want to be worthy of having my children respect and bless me, and of having my husband praise me.


I am studying the words of this passage over and over, finding in them more and more things I can do in my own life to make me into the woman God thinks is worthy of admiration.  I am taking the passage apart by one or two verses at a time and planning to work on each area little by little until these things seem natural to me.  I will be posting a lot over the next few weeks (or months, even) as I venture forward on the path to worthiness!